The following guest post was brought to you by Tesco
Microsoft and Sony both go head to head in the games market this fall with the release of new consoles. Microsoft’s Xbox One will retail at $499 whereas Sony’s PlayStation 4 will retail at $399, a hundred dollars less. So the latter may be better for your wallet, but which one is more suitable for your kids? If you’re unsure of the ins and outs of games consoles, let’s take a look at the main differences between the two biggest contenders…
Xbox
Apart from the initial setup, Xbox One doesn’t need to be connected online for you and your kids to enjoy offline games features: you can get games digitally or use disc-based games just as you can with Xbox 360 – although you still need to be online to verify the game.
You can also decide how personalized you wish your Xbox to be, by having full control over personal data, privacy settings and sign in. What’s more, a single Xbox Live Gold membership allows your kids to play on both the Xbox One and Xbox 360, as well as their friend’s Xbox too.
PlayStation
PlayStation 4 also uses games discs and games that can be digitally downloaded, yet gamers often report that they prefer the online gaming experience with PS4 – possibly because it’s free compared to the additional online costs that the Xbox incurs. However, unlike Xbox, PlayStation doesn’t place sharing restrictions on its disc based games, so your kids can swap games amongst their friends as often as they like.
PlayStations also have a reputation for running quieter than their Xbox counterparts as well as having fewer technical glitches, so, unless these have been ironed out, you might want to play it safe and stick with the PS. Finally, little hands often prefer the wireless game controllers of the PlayStation too as opposed to the d-pad discs of the Xbox, so this, coupled with the cheaper price, might just give Sony the edge over Microsoft this Christmas.
Of course, it may be that your kids have made up their mind about a popular game on one console or the other, but it always pays to be in the know about these products, especially since you’ll be the one forking out the dough this holiday season!
Time flies and my kids can’t wait for the PS5 now.
I just told them “Daddy’s busy. Go ask mommy!”
🙂
Well sounds like PlayStation is the one to go with. I have been leaning toward PlayStation simply because I have a lot of trust in PlayStation. I still have the original PS2, the big console, and it still works like brand new. Got it when it 1st came out. I bought my kids the PS3 for Christmas. We love it. I have been thinking pretty heavy on the PS4. My Son wants the xBox, but like I said, I know PlayStation puts out great product.
We have an Xbox-something, but I don’t like that the system continually asks to connect to the Internet. I’m glad to know the Xbox One doesn’t need to be connected to Internet. This a big selling point to me.
We’re a PS3 family here… we have the older versions of the “Big 3” (XBox 360, PS3, and Wii) but haven’t upgraded to the newer versions yet (Wii U, PS4, or XBoxOne)… although I want a WiiU for no other reason than that I want to play some of the games available for it (and I think their games are in general much more kid-friendly than the other two).
We don’t have either system in our home at this time. Just waiting till the next new entertainment systems come out so the price on these drops. Always a couple years behind on the technology, and would probably stay that way if it wasn’t for my 12 year old geek son.
I was thinking about getting one of these – I’ve never had either! Thanks for the review – but I’m still confused. (My geekdom is stuck somewhere around 1971………)
All my son’s are into playing on this type of system, I still have never really played a game on one of the things yet.
I definitely prefer the Playstation over the XBox. I find having to pay to play online is a bit much and I don’t understand this concept at all.
okay,,,ill admit it ,ive never played any of those gaming systems,,the grandsons do though they have a ds3 Gameboy I think that’s what it is an I know they have a Wii an xbox,,but Mamaw doesn’t have any of those,,im behind in the times woefully
My son wishes he could have both systems but he will have to stick with the xbox one for now.
If you have young children – consider Ninetendo
If your kids are Junior high aged – Xbox
Older kids – Xbox or PS3 or 4
My boys want an Xbox One for Christmas but we just bought a new Xbox last year- may have to wait until the price drops.
I know over the years my son in law has always preferred the Playstation console. These are just so expensive!
I think the price tag is too high on these especially since in a few months they will be out-dated.
i cant believe how much these cost. i wish i was rich lol
Good comparative review! I never know which one to get, this helps.
Jeez I haven’t touched a videogame in I don’t know how long, but I know the Hubby will want a PS4!
im so far behind on video games… I wonder what will be around when my kids are 10 or 12
My 2 boys want an Xbox One for Christmas but I think they are going to have to wait. We already have an almost brand new Xbox and I would expect the price is going to drop on the Xbox One after a few months.
Wow, I can’t believe how expensive these devices are now! I always had game systems growing up, but luckily my kids aren’t at the age yet where they are asking for these things, lol!
I have always been more into Playstation than XBOX but both new ones look really cool.
Growing up I always had the latest Nintendo or whatever was out. Now here are so many options and with two boys, I’m going to need to keep in the know.
Actually, my kids are perfectly happy with their PS2. I asked them last year if they wanted to upgrade, and they told me “No.” The reason: they find that the newer games are too adult oriented. “Full of smut!” they told me. Isn’t great to have children with a well-formed conscience!